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To get ready for the 2014 season, Pride Of Detroit's writers weighed in with predictions on a variety of topics. You can make your own predictions by voting in the poll at the end of this post, and you can see what our writers had to say below.
Next up: Who will be the Detroit Lions' defensive MVP this year?
Eric Shinabarger: Stephen Tulloch
Tulloch is the quiet anchor to the Lions defense.
Justin Simon: DeAndre Levy
I think Levy has a shot to really put himself on the map this year nationally. He’ll be the roaming linebacker in Teryl Austin’s new defense, and I look for him to make a lot of plays on the weak side of the defense. Levy had a Pro Bowl caliber season in 2013 and I expect him to be even better in 2014.
Brian Packey: Ndamukong Suh
Suh might not be able to outlift Mike Martin, but he'll be playing for a big contract. Suh has always had the peripherals of a team's top defensive cog, but he will back them up this year with some of the more popular counting numbers.
Sean Yuille: Ndamukong Suh
Suh is clearly the Lions' most talented player on defense, and I expect Teryl Austin's scheme to help elevate Suh's play even more. By the end of the year, I think Suh will be the Lions' MVP on defense, and I think the Lions will be in a position where they have to get a long-term deal done with him regardless of the cost.
Christopher Tomke: Ndamukong Suh
Another bold pick! If you hear an announcer talk up the Lions’ front four this season, remember that he’s really referring to Suh, and then everyone else. This pick will best be judged by whether someone else on the defensive line breaks out. You could also throw in the fact that Suh’s in a contract year, but I’m not sure it matters. Unless he murders someone on the field, Suh’s getting paid in the offseason.
Jeremy Reisman: Ndamukong Suh
Suh is easily the best defensive player on the roster, and with a below-average secondary and mediocre linebacking crew, there will be extra pressure on the Lions' front four to make plays. Add on that Suh is in a contract year and this has all of the makings of another dominant season from the feared defensive tackle.